A Glass Town

Most towns in Italy have thier specialty craft, and Piegaro is a glass town.  When you enter the first piazza, there in the center are lovely scultures of a man blowing glass, with a woman and girl weaving fiaschi, the familiar basketry of chianti bottles.  The current glass factory is huge, and puts out over a million bottles a day.  When you are in any part of the world and order a beverage from the Martini company, it will be in a Piegaro bottle, likewise when you enjoy a refreshing bottle of San Peligrino water it is from this sweet village.  The sculptures welcome people to the village with a sense of history and place, glass is their identity.

The Museo del Vetro is amazing, it is in the second glass factory and has everything from models of the factory, to examples of the glass that has been produced in the village over the last 7+ centuries.  It also tells the unique history of this glass village through its craft.  Where I sit to write is in the oldest glass factory, now a residence villa, appropriately named L Antica Vetreria between the two they encircled the village for hundreds of years, providing a place of work for men, women and children alike.  The first glass makers were brought to Piegaro under the cloak of darkness from the Maurano glass works of Venice.  But unlike Maurano, the makers here in Piegaro specialized in bottles, bottiglia, which identifies the nature of the town, and its spirit.

This is not the town of artistic glass sculptures, but rather a partner in the local trade of wine, a very practical industry, and yet....the bottle styles were beautiful, and the woven fiasci simply lovely.  Even though this is "common" work, it has been done with grace and skill with loving craftsmanship.  It speaks much of the heart of the people I have met here, very earthy people with creative souls that sing and dance.

The greatest heartbreak of Piegaro in recent history was World War II and the time leading up to it.  As one friend here told the story, first the fascists came and closed down the l' antica vetreria, and then the Naziss invaded.  As the war ended the Nazis blew up the town hall and left the community in ruins.  Yet the soul of the people maintained, the townsfolk worked the smaller glass factory until the early 1960's when the newest glass factory was built to provide the needs for the region.  It is hard to imagine that the town was nearly 20 years just one small glass factory, I can only imagine the struggle.

Today I have a wonderful friend, Maria, who worked in the newer - old factory as a child and still occasionally teaches fiaschi weaving.  She has gifted me with the beautiful work of her hands, and it makes me happy to have such a piece of fine workmanship, a loving craft, a symbol for a community that has survived in the hardest of times to return to its heritage.

Next week a new business opens in town, the Bar-Pub Botteglia the owners recognize the importance of Piegaro, its rich heritage and what has been such a part of the people.  It is good to know history and the story of the people, for in these stories lie the soul of a community.  To embrace a community when you visit is to move beyond tourist, to move into sharing heart, and to seek to know where our common story is as humans...and that is what moves hearts!

Waking up to Frost

It is a beautiful sunrise here in Piegaro, the sun glowing pink on the hills across the valley. 
This means it is time to really get up, really get going.
A time to walk and enjoy the beauty of the day, each day is a gift just waiting to be opened.
Time to push away from machines, from mirrors and venture out.

Time for another adventure in life, another day of living, another day of being.
Time to hear new voices, learn new words, ask new questions.
A day to ponder, wonder and drink in all the possibilities of a day met with glorious sunshine,

which also hides a bitter cold, a cutting cold, and reminds one that each day has glory and chill.

What does today hold?  What can be known?

Only that which we expose ourselves to when walking outside the walls.

To move into the sunshine on the hillsides, to cut the glare, yet absorb the heat.
To find that which will warm our soul, while being present to the truth of the chill.

Poetry in Motion

A favorite place I found where the little road became a winding stair with amazing arches

One of my favorite forms of literature is poetry, savoring its gentle rhythms naturally seems to slowly ease one into a depth of meaning far deeper than the common sentence structure can allow.  From children's whimsical poetry to epic poems that tell grandiose stories, to romance and prophetic poems, all awaken someplace special in my soul.  In September we will worship utilizing biblical poetry drenched with meaning, from Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and the prophets.  Thus the mind spins of poetry, poetic thoughts and poetic places.
On my trip to Italy I had one place I wanted to see almost more than any other, the town of Todi, where the poet Jacopone da Todi hailed from.  Jacopone was a Franciscan who did his best to live into St. Francis' ascetic ways, but was deeply troubled by the transition of the Franciscan Order after the master's death into a more worldly way of being.  However, given his openness of faith, Jacopone requested from the pope that there be (2) Franciscan orders instead of the one, with one being more dedicated to the Rule of St. Francis and one being the more modern/worldly one that had evolved in the decades since Francis' passing.  The pope refused, and Jacopone, not only a good monk, but also a good poet responded in poetic form...whereby he was promptly excommunicated from the church.    It is fun to root for the rebel, and rather romantic to admire the rebel poet, and when in Italy that seemed so appropriate...
With great curiosity I planned for my trip to Todi, requesting the most scenic driving directions from my friend Martin, and immediately insulting him by asking to travel a different way than he suggested.  But being a gentleman he gave me alternative directions and advised I watch for town signs (not as easy as it may seem).  Off I ventured on the rainy day toward a town I would find buried in clouds perched high on top of a hill, out of view from the valley below.  One of the things I noted while in Italy was how unique each hilltop village was, for their unity of form, their function and details were characterized differently through architecture and building materials.  Todi seemed so ripe for being the birthplace of a poet and man of faith.
Of the many villages I visited Todi had the most uniquely tiny roads and walkways.  I even heard one American tourist say, "whar's Louise? She must be takin' more pictures of the damn alleys."  I felt that poor man saw no beauty where Louise and I found mesmerizing entryways to the beautiful unknown... winding walkways that led to conversations with a sweet man walking his dog, finding hidden chapels and museums holding a depth of meaning.  And views, views that once the clouds flew away bespoke of the beauty of the Tiber river valley that my friend Martin had suggested I drive (I would return home that way).  It was an enchanting little village with art, sacred and mystery around every little corner, a perfect place for poetry of the every spinning heart and imagination to take place.
To create art must be aware of beauty, mystery and that which is greater than oneself, Todi is a perfect setting for all this, from natural beauty to the archetecture that invites the mind to wander as the feet must to get from one place to another through many entrances, archways, vistas and people living so densly they must be in fullness of relationship to survive.
Todi inivted me to contemplate how to open up to see the sacred in surprising ways, to live looking for whatever was around the next corner or through the next passageway.  It is an invitation to the intimate, who is going to be around the next corner?  What is going to appear down the narrow street/passage to the left, so the right?  Will it be a musty chapel with sweet art, a river valley opening up in grandure before you as the clouds part, or a puppy jumping all over and licking your face?  How to revel in the joy of the moment of sweet surprise, moments of grace and beauty is our call, to be awed by the wonder of God's creation and translate the beauty for others.  Jacopone da Todi did this so well, expressing in his poetry his awakening to the love of God.  How can we share the awesome wonder, the invitation to all???

The cute puppy greeted me with kisses, and his owner kind words as I roamed the wet and beautiful streets of Todi

Love, infusing with light all who share Your splendor (from In Praise of Divine Love)
Love, infusing with light all who share Your splendor,
You teach us the true light
Is not to be found in the light of this world.
Light that enlightens, light that teaches,
He who is not illumined by You
Does not reach the fullness of love.
Love, You give light
To the intellect in darkness
And illumine the Object of love.
Love, Your ardor,
Which enflames the heart,
Unites it with the Incarnate One.

Depth of Meaning

Remembering Baptism, Summer Solstice, God's Grace

One of the things I discovered in Italy was an awareness of my personal depth of meaning.  I understood all the things that make my heart sing; visible signs of the sacred, the importance of sacrament, the beauty of relationships that are lived so openly and in the fullness of  the connection of community.  Sometimes we lose site of what makes our hearts sing, we get caught up in the "normal," the everyday, and the mundane of multi-tasking and rushing through work, home and life.
It has given me great inspiration on how to live my life with more meaning, no matter where I am, how to appreciate all my neighbors, to explore for all signs of the sacred, and to find new rituals to enrich my life.  In June I celebrated with Acqua di San Giovanni - a beautiful ritual where I walked the neighborhood and picked aromatic flowers and greens, soaked them in a tub overnight, so they could collect the dew of morning and bathed with their essence in the early morning.  It was refreshing to be present to the elements of the season, to live in the moment of time when all life is in bloom and full fragrance.
I will never recapture completely what bloomed forth at that particular time in Italy, but....but, I can know the depth of meaning, and I can know that I will return and something sacred will happen then when immersed in a place where all that I hold sacred is embodied in a culture, place, faith and most wonderfully people who inspire me to be live this one gracious life most fully.
There are ways we allow ourselves to awaken to the sacred, to know how God is truly calling us.  To open our hearts fully and listen to what is most important to us in our living out our true selves.  I have so many more wonderful stories to tell of my time in Italy, and how my life has been transformed through the reveling of God through this wonderful place, and then, there is next year.....
If you are interested in a Transformational Spirituality Retreat in Umbria please contact us:  umbrianspirit@hotmail.com

The Sacred is Always Near

Life in View of the Village Tower

The tower stands boldy at the center of the village, welcoming the community home.

There is a quote/saying that a friend tripped about trying to explain to me of the importance of living life within the sounds/site of the village tower in Umbria, Italy.  Explaining that there is a depth of meaning to living one's life being able to hear the sounds of the tower bell, and to view the clock - to be connected to the heart of town.  This actually does sound incredibly wonderful, to have such a connection to place and the people that share that place with you.
Myself, I have lived in over 30 houses/apartments/dwelling places in my life, moving from place to place with some amazing well honed packing skills.  At a certain point in my life I felt I wast forever seeking "home" and at a certain point I figured there may not be such a place for me.  But the sweetness of the concept has never left the back of my mind, and the thought of their being a very strong cultural saying regarding the importance of the tower certainly struck me.
It was fun hearing the saying long after I returned from my journey, for my companion had no idea that I had taken so many photos of the various towers in the various towns we passed through.  But when the concept of tower came up, it led me to ideas for two very different types of postings, this one on the importance of community, and a second to follow on the uniqueness of communities in Umbria, a geographically small area.
In Piegaro my heart was really stirred by the importance of the tower my last night there, Wednesday evening.  As we had gone back to the apartment to settle in for the evening I received a call from a congregation member in need of a listening ear, and so decided to step out for some privacy and just walk the streets while in conversation.  It was a beautiful night after a day of thunderstorms, lightening and rain that had kept many of us indoors and having fun at the caffe during the day.  The air was fresh with the moisture of the day, yet warm and comfortable, it felt good to walk and talk around the old part of the village, circling around even to some little streets I hadn't been on before.  I was very aware of the tower and it's clock listening to the chimes on the half hours and seeming to keep me company on a quiet night.  The people in the village had all gone in by this time and I could hear from the homes of the village the sounds of t.v. and conversations, all winding down at the end of their day.
When I returned to the apartment, it was my friend's turn to be on a personal call, so I went out again, circling the town, slowly walking the streets.  I took a few photos of some of the art that graced the exterior of some of the walls, and would look up when the clock struck an hour or half past again.  I would peek in occasionally to find my friend still being the long-distance love and caring for family from half a world away, and I kept walking.  Piegaro is a small town, so I walked many of the streets over and over multiple times, wondering who liked the drama, comedy or action that I could hear on the t.v.s - I was already missing this place so much and yet I could hear and feel the life that was being lived, and I could see and hear the clock in the tower.  Time moved so gracefully for moving so rapidly, I know I checked in repeatedly at the apartment and was out for a couple of hours, yet it was so soothing, I walked past the tower many times.
The tower, the last thing I could see of the town when we drove toward Rome the following day, the first thing I saw when we approached Piegaro just a few weeks before.  I remember wondering if the sweet bells that called us to worship came from the tower rather than the church that sat beside it, and now know that I forgot to ask.  The tower that when we were in town always reminded me of the time so there was no need to keep track on my own.  A beautiful thing the tower.
In our own neighborhood in Seattle our church tower has a bell, but due to neighbor's concerns it only rings on Sundays, just before worship.  From the inside of the church one can't hear it at all.  The other bells I hear are from the school informing the children when it is time to begin and end the day, and when to go in or out for recess.  Last week after hearing the lovely phrase about the tower the bells of the school went off for an emergency drill.  As I listened to the mournful cry of the emergency siren, not really a bell this time, I thought to myself, "now is just a test of the emergency system, or the real thing, is there an emergency?"  So, I prayed, I prayed that there was no emergency, but if there was, than it was a good time to give thanks for my incredible life, a gift from God, for all the blessings, adventures and magic along the way, and I thought of the tower.
What would it be like to live, live a life always within the sight and sound of an ever-present tower over the community?

A fun shot of Colleen searching for me the day we lost each other after the Processione, what a good place to find someone!

The community gathered in front of the church, next to the tower to begin the Processione di Miracole.

Beautiful Folks of Old Piegaro

Michelle's Shop with Daniella, Gloria and Colleen

Enrico reluctantly lets his picture be taken.

Anna with the Warmest Welcome

Matteo and supplier tending business at the grocery

I realized I forgot to do one last blog on the beautiful people of Piegaro, those fun folks who have the sweet shops in the center of the old section of Piegaro.  One of my favorite aspects of Piegaro is the strong sense of community that lives within the constant foot traffic of those coming to shop for their daily needs.  Each day you meet so many of the people of town in addition to the great shopkeepers.
Michelle, the butcher was closed much of the time I was in Piegaro while he was on vacation, but made up for it with his gracious, warm presence as I went with Colleen as she shopped for a meal to be shared with Villa guests.  He artfully carved the meat to a sweet thin slice that would melt in the mouth and in a way that no meat cutter, only a true butcher could master.  All the while he was greeting the constant flow of people who entered his shop for their daily meats, or one for daily meets, just to visit.  On my last, sad morning in Piegaro before I left Michelle was one of the 3 people who purchased part of my breakfast at Caffe Via Roma, I was truly touched by his warmth and generosity.
His next door neighbors are Anna and Enrico a delightful couple who operate  adjoining businesses, a flower shop and a news/magazine shop.  At any given time, other than siesta of course, you will find one or both attending the shops and doing their best to help out even the most crazy American visitor.  Anna's shop is always perfumed with the most beautiful live flowers and cut flowers, and if you really want to see some amazing crafting of bouquets, just wander past the shop on Domenica dell'Ascensione as Anna prepared flowers for baptisms, confirmations and weddings.  Anna can best be described as a person who truly throws herself into everything, whether exuberant welcomes, or the crafting of beautiful bouquets, all is done with great flourish and wholeness of heart.  Anna lives large!  By contrast her husband Enrico is quiet, patient, and so shyly helpful that no matter what one asks for and the length of time it takes to translate/figure out what this crazy American is asking for, he's with you doing the best he can, with a sweet smile.
Finally in this little cluster of shops is the grocer, Matteo.  Matteo has movie star good looks who seemed to have a wonderful knack of stumbling into my path at several points in my journey in Piegaro.   After our initial meeting when Colleen was giving me the village tour, I literally ran into Matteo as he was heading to the shop, apparently late one morning and I was wandering about taking a morning walk.  The next encounter was quite humorous as Colleen sent me off to get Carrots, and I didn't know what they were called in Italian and could not find them with the fresh veggies.  "Carrots?" I asked, "Carrots?" he questioned back....."nyaaa What's up Doc" I said doing my best Bugs Bunny impersonation.  "Ah, Carote" and he found a very Trader Joe's package of the orange delicacies for me.  I think that established my street cred as a weirdo, and I truly appreciated that he always seemed amused after that...perhaps waiting for another imitation...hmmmm perhaps next year I pull out Mickey Mouse for something, except I know Formage ???
Finally something that touched my heart in the center of old town was the amazing Museo Del Vetrio, the Museum of Glass.  Piegaro has been a glass town since the 13th century, with a rich tradition of bottle making.  In the last few years they have opened this wonderful museum, but my understanding it came to life under the leadership of their new curator, Chiara.  We entered the museum on Mother's Day, with the children outside selling their glass wares, made in classes taught at the museum, and others selling Italian traditional azaleas as a breast cancer fundraiser.  Wow, great community builder before stepping into the building!  But once inside the building there was a wonderful array of historical displays mixed with art created from the village glass to artfully presented arrangements of glass.  The museum is a place of education, community and beauty, truly one of the best "industrial" museums I have ever seen.  When I mentioned how wonderful it is, and that she is a great curator, Chiara blushed and said, "I am blessed to be able to do the work I studied for and love."  Truly blessed are all who get to experience this place, and Chiara's blessing is ours as well.
So ends the blogs on the people of Piegaro, it ends where it started, with my deep awareness that the answer to the tourist's question to me in Assisi, "what was the most wonderful thing in Italy for you?"  It was, is, and will always be the people, the heart and soul of this country of heart and soul. It is a people rooted in centuries of community, work and worship.  It is people who bring beauty to the sacred, and acknowledge the blessings in their lives.  It makes me wonder if a country like ours, with such a short history and an average of citizens moving every 3 years, can go as deep into community and relationship.  And finally how do we make the most of our spirituality within our culture - in Christian terms, how can we most love God and neighbor - to the fullest in our daily life and in our neighborhood, being the most wonderful thing about our neighborhood, community, city, state and country.

Museo del Vetro displays over 700 years of glass making in Piegaro

The Hospitable Host of Greppolishieto

Our guide inside and outside the village walls

Our guide leads us through the village

Let us begin by saying I have no idea how to make the name of this quaint hamlet roll off my tongue, for that matter, it may be misspelled....however, there is one thing I am sure of, this place is filled with the spirit of St. Francis, the sense of nature, spirit, and amazing stone define this sweet town.
As we arrived at the parking below town I was struck by the sign with map of the hiking trails that wove down through the valley and hills in the are.  We were on a time-limited mission of exploring sacred places, with no time to hike, but wow the view from the hillside town of the beautiful woods below called out to truly explore God's sacred space in nature.  I made a mental note to return to hike this beautiful countryside and then we walked toward the village.
On the outskirts of the village was a sweet farm house with a stone wall and gateway, sitting atop the entryway was a beautiful and aloof cat.  I called "gatti, gatti, gatti" and after slowly, casually looking this way and that the cat acknowledged my presence and actually came over.  After the briefest of greetings our new friend proceeded to lead us into the village.
We entered the village near the chapel with a grand stone plaza built in memory of the villagers who died in WWI.  Encircling the plaza where beautiful wrought iron crosses on the edge of the low lying wall that surrounded the town and from this vantage point looked over the woodlands in the valley and hillside surrounding the hamlet.  I could imagine when chapel let out and coming onto this plaza what an amazing sense of the sacred there would be going from liturgical worship space into the vast glory of God's creation before you, with the reminder of love for those who have passed on before us.
Our host beckoned us on, through a traditional Italian archway into the inner village, where all the homes' entrys were, as were small yet beautiful gardens and a multitude of window boxes filled with geraniums and other flowers.  Il gatto kept leading the way, to view so many signs of the sacred, from artwork of Mary and Jesus to just the sheer grandure of a centuries old stone village that breathed of life, even though all inhabitants were away at work and school.  It was like a magical tour through a mystical place where our small group had the quiet and time to explore with our newfound friend.
As it came time to leave our host walked us around the walls outside the village, taking us back to where we began, leaping to the top at his post again, watching over the village and valley, ready to greet the next group of visitors.  I, to this day, can't get over the gift of the cat, the gift of a host to lead us through a village that was his own.  The whole experience reminded me of the awareness of St. Francis of the divine within all of God's creation, in this case, within our friend the gatto di Greppolishieto.  How do you greet the sacred in the "other" be it human, animal, or nature?  How do you let the "other" greet and take you to mystical places?

Colleen returning from the Icon our host led her to.Thanking our beloved host

Prima Amica - Lila

Lila A good friend and Lisa

My first named friend in Piegaro Italy was Lila, I was blessed with many friends in Piegaro, but Lila was the first to call me "Amica."  In context we were at the caffe where Lila works, just chatting away and someone asked if I was her mother.  Lila patted my shoulder and said, "No, es mi amica Lisa!"  Lila is a beautiful, young, vivacious girl who spoke English, one of few in the village, what a breath of fresh air.  For all the great fun I had trying to communicate with my Italian friends, it was nice to have evenings of conversation and fun with Lila.  I had a little too much fun at times, using my normal slang, song lyric and movie references, talking very quickly..."piano, piccolo" Lila would say, as she asked me to slow down and use my little words.  Lila was so dear to introduce me to her mother, Ina.  Ina too is beautiful and it was great to chat with her and Colleen about motherhood and being an immigrant to this  community.
One of the treasures of getting to know Lila was that she is the age of my children, and it was nice to have a little surrogate in Piegaro, with all the sass and craziness of a teenager I have grown so fond of in my life and missed being away from my own kids.  It was a comfort to hear her stories of hating school, of her boyfriend (now fiancee) , of her horse and her struggles as a daughter with her mother, so much of life is universal in our world :-)
It is always a gift to have friends, and nothing could have warmed my heart more than being called friend by Lila.  In our lives we often put such an emphasis on romance or finding "the one" - but there is a special grace in making friends wherever we go.  There is a sacred place in knowing the true treasure in opening ourselves to friendships and seeing the grace of love in the people we meet.  It was in sharing stories with Lila that I realized how much my heart desired to speak Italian so I could share as much with all my new found friends, it deepens to speak directly without a translator, and certainly without that dog of a tool, google translator.  I often laugh when using that tool to translate the messages of my Italian friends on facebook now and realize how goofy the translations are.  It is much more magical to speak and share in person.
I look forward to seeing dear Lila again, my friend, mi amica, who is the reflection of my beautiful daughter and young friends here.  It begs the question, how can we see connections to those and what make our heart sings no matter where we are??  How do we allow friendship to flourish in unsuspected places and open our hearts to all the love that friendship offers??? How do we take our hospitality out to all who cross our paths, to speak slowly and intentionally for the blossoming of beautiful relationships?   Friends like Lila are truly a gift from God - a gift I get to continue to enjoy via facebook and when I return again to my beloved Piegaro.


Lila and Mom, Ina

Beautiful friends

The Everything Store

Maria Pia and the most beautiful pot for our Peace Plant - Grazie!!

I grew up learning to read via books of poetry my mother would read in her sing-song voice and as I walked through the doors of the Everything Store I could hear mom's voice "Jonathan Jo has a mouth like an O and a wheelbarrow full of surprises, if you ask for a bat or something like that, he has it no matter the size is..."  The amazing Everything Store in Piegaro is just like that, just ask and they will have whatever it is an an assortment of sizes.  Socks, slippers, potting soil, household cleaner, ceramic pots, and cappuccino cups are among the array of things I popped in for and got to see the array that would come off of shelves reaching the ceiling.
Maria Pia, Gian Pietro and their daughter Cristiana operate this little piece of paradise, and they are always willing to serve to the greatest of their ability.  A little language  issue was a barrier they were always willing to to overcome to help find exactly what is needed.  My favorite time visiting the shop was when I was in need of one more pot, a rather largish one, for a Peace Plant.  While I was roaming the pots out front and looking at the prices, I must have made quite a face, because Maria Pia lept up, "Un atimo!"  When she returned she had a beautiful white pot with a glorious shape, "Picollo defetto" and pointed to a small line inside the pot that did not show through to the outside, a very minor crack, "Cinque Euros" - less than 1/2 the price of the others.  God bless her, she truly was about getting what was needed, I simply couldn't afford a more expensive pot, but she provided the most beautiful one for what I could afford.
That was so much of the family way to bring out what was needed.  It was Cristiana who told us we MUST be at the processione, one of the most spiritual moments of my life.  It was Gian Pietro who was the first to totally "pose" for my camera as I gathered pictures of all these beloved neighbors in Piegaro.  But one thing I so appreciated about the family was their great conservation spirit - they are the first store owners I ever met who would sit outside their shop, or in a doorway on a rainy day, with all the lights off.  The electricity isn't used until the customers come, then Maria Pia, Gian Pietro or Cristiana light up with the lights of the store, smiling and ready to serve.  In a church where we are constantly attempting to live fully "green" these folks have the habit down pat, without stifling their hospitality!
I look forward to returning to Piegaro and asking about their family business, how long in the family, will Cristiana keep the store into the future, how do they gather such an amazing array of merchandise for such a fabulous shop, do they find the store as wonderful as I do????   How can I say thank you for truly being so present to one traveler's basic needs???   I love these guys!!

Gian Pietro poses as the Processione passes by.

Cristiana as always calling out a friendly greeting!!

Newest Facebook Friend - Gianni

Gianni welcoming all at the door of Caffe Via Roma

As I sorted through pictures of Piegaro I found the greatest irony in the picture of the young men of Caffe Via Roma, that is Gianni holding up my English/Italian translation book.  Gianni and I spoke multiple times in Piegaro, he in Italian me in English never really translating, or even trying.  We spoke as the circumstance dictated.  Laughing with the crowd about my crazy painting purchase of the "Guffo/Gatti" - or as he looked in on the group looking at the Art book for Magnum.  I think we totally got the gist of what one another was saying.  We were all laughing at the painting, with comments flying as we shared amusement over the dubbed "genetic catastrophe".  And when he didn't look as interested as the rest in the book, I asked him to look intelligent for the photo, which he did, now that takes intelligence!
As my newest Facebook friend I enjoyed the latest posting Gianni had of the Italian flag laid out as the worlds most important foods:  basil, garlic (or is it cheese - either top my list), and tomato.  One of the reasons I loved this post is that it so reminded me of my basic cooking lesson with Pasquelina Verdi - "Lisa es garlic, basil, e tomato - most important!" in her delightful broken English.  She encouraged me to go out into the field behind the home I rented from her and pick all the tomatoes, garlic and basil I needed, dinner was always at reach.  Just as I felt at home at Pasquelina's I felt at home in Piegaro with friends like Gianni and his gift to just be himself - Italian, proud of it but open to friendship with this crazy Americana.
Being authentic is a key to life that many of us struggle with.  We really want others to like us, and often become "posers" trying to be all that others want us to be.  Gianni is Gianni, spoke to me in his own language, posts his pride in country and food - such a fun way!!  I look forward to getting to know him better next year and know more about his beloved Italy, it's food, what it is to BE Italian for him.
Likewise, I think that is an essential question for us all at different parts of our own lives, to ask the questions of who we are, what is essential to me, how do I self identify and how do I live confidently in my own skin to take my authentic self out into God's world as I am fully created to be.

The boys - Gianni holding the book we never used to communicate - who needs translations?!?!

The Intelligencia at the Caffe Discussing Art.

Giocanda, easy to love neighbor

The Bella Neighbors of 'l Antica Vetreria

Giocanda was someone I saw every day I was in Piegaro, she is the neighbor who lives in the home adjoining l' Antica Vetreria, where we were staying.  Every day she would greet us, morning, noon, and night every time we met she would shout a greeting.  There were a couple of days during my stay that she wasnt' out, she was tending her sick husband, Tito.  There was the day she greeted us, as she wept for him, we sent our love and prayers, and were touched by her sharing.
When Tito returned home from the hospital, Giocanda was so happy, even though the weather was cloudy, she radiated sunshine.  This week as Tito returned to God after a battle with cancer, my heart aches for Giocanda.  Never could you ask for a better neighbor.
In Scripture of Christianity and Judaism, in texts of Hindi, Buddhism, Taoism and Islam there are words to the effect or exactly stating "love your neighbor."  As a foreigner in a strange land nothing can touch your soul like the love of a neighbor, the care folks take in being hospitable.  I certainly love Piegaro with all my heart, but I'm realistic to know that not all the people there were good neighbors, it is not a perfect place, this is not a perfect world.  In one instance someone came to speak with me at the Caffe, but got riled when I was taking pictures of "them".  He said, "Don't take pictures of them they are Macedonians, they are not Italians."  After I pointed out that I was not Italian either, and I was taking pictures of all, he left.  Martin pointed out that he was crazy, and not to mind, but the reality is that our world has plenty of people who are not terribly neighborly.
Which makes people like Giocanda more important in our lives.  She inspires others, including myself to greet everyone we meet on the road.  All people are worthy of a greeting, an acknowledgment of the the sacredness of   all of God's people.  She reminds why we are called to love our neighbors - authentically, from where we are to them where they are.  This does not mean we will be best of friends, but rather that we are all worthy of relationship.
This day after the passing of Tito my heart and prayers are with Giocanda, who's heart was big enough to welcome this American, this foreigner.  God bless you in your mourning, may the Spirit hold you gently, may the love of Christ keep you always in care.

Giocanda, a very good neighbor!

World's Greatest Barrista??? Well, my favorite, Martin!

Martin - the glare of the glasses does not glow as much as his Spirit.

This girl is one tough customer, I often ask for the craziest things, but always enjoy a straight up yes or no to my request, please no mamby-pambing around.  So after being in Piegaro only a few days and realizing that Caffe Via Roma not only had great coffee, great customers, but a swell place for me to work on my computer during my "working vacation" I asked if I could hang out at the telephone stand and work.  It was optimal, the table at the perfect height, the wood floors that were easy on the legs, and constant life going on through the doorway at the bar.  Looking back I realize it was an odd sort of selfish request, but Martin said yes.
Martin is fabulous at hosting, serving and caring for the people who walk through the doors of Caffe Via Roma, whether family, workers in town, locals, Moravian expats or this crazy Americana, all are treated with courtesy and respect.   On the Caffe facebook he sums up his role at Via Roma perfectly, "l'importante che se ne parli..."- "it is important that we speak."  Martin sets the tone for the Caffe, where people come to speak and share their hearts.  Yet it is a place where being open and often emotional did not take away from the place, I felt in due to Martin's non-anxious presence.  For me it was a great place of calm in a world that often is so rushed, hurried and weary, and was soooooo appreciated.
The amusing part is that I relied on Martin often to translate with Maria or other folks in the Caffe, and he knows about as much English as I do Italian - but he was a great charades partner.  I would act out, say in Spanish, try to find synonyms that might be Latin in origin and he would respond, "Ahhhh..." and bring forth the correct word or phrase in Italian.  He is so helpful in opening up communication for myself and others in a gracious way.    The communication barrier became fun as we all tried to get to know one another.
In my joy of finding someone who could guide me a bit in communication, I'm sure I made things difficult for Martin in several ways.  The one day I was traveling through Umbria alone I ask for his opinion on the best way to travel to Todi that would be picturesque...then complained that I didn't want to take the Autostrada, as if I knew best.  As I left Todi I remembered the hurt in his eyes at my not taking his suggestion, so thus drove home the way he suggested.  Within a few kilometers the Tiber River (Tivere) opened before me, it took my breathe away with it's amazing beauty....so now I felt REALLY guilty, the man truly knows the most scenic drive to Todi!
In my weeks in Piegaro Martin was my workplace host, my friend and my "bodyguard"???  No, not really, but that was what one customer asked when referring to an incident when, quite unbeknown to myself, an unwanted suitor accompanied me to my home one day under false pretenses and Martin  simply came along, chaperoning.     As he explained to the customer, he was not my bodyguard, but a friend who was providing me a place of calm in which to be and work..... and I am so grateful.  Also grateful that the people in the town would talk so openly, even about me, while I was in listening range.  I liked that Martin would call the men who gave me unwanted attention, "Crazy" - not anything demeaning or hurtful but so true.  It is my theory that we are all crazy in our own ways and how we function together in our madness without hurting one another is the key to life.  The constant conversations at the Caffe encouraged by Martin was a way to bring together and hold so lovingly the people of Piegaro, a band of crazies, just as we need to gently hold together all people, all the crazy world.
One funny thing we had in common, always a thing I like to look for is common places, is wearing bracelets.  Someone in the caffe asked once what my "fruits of the spirit" bracelets were, basically my reminder to behave and it was fun to see a customer advise Martin how best to use his bracelets in the same manner.  It was a conversation they were having on behaviors when the gentleman reached across and snapped Martin's bracelet, as some folks do when wearing a rubber band to snap when they want to smoke.  It's a small world where can use accessories as reminders - so every now and then I shall snap a bracelet as I remember Martin.
I can't imagine Piegaro without a person like Martin, being host of the Caffe.  My friend Colleen has been visibly disappointed that Martin's partner, Arnica, is no longer running the Caffe, a person Colleen could rely on for English speaking company, which I know is so important to her.  But Martin's being a home boy, with family nearby always, seemed to be a great asset to me, as with other people I met he belonged to this place, he has history,  roots and connection to the people.  I loved how the community from young to old hung out in this special place with this special person.
Next year in Piegaro, when I speak Italiano I shall be able to ask Martin questions like, what did you do before working at the caffe, and do you love this work you are so amazingly good at?  Do you miss your old work?  Is it a comfort to have your family so close?  It was so cool to me how they were always around as my relatives live so far away.  How is the turning of the world's economy effecting your beautiful shop and community?

Martin with his dad, Rodolfo outside Bar Caffe Via Roma.

Sharing stories, books and beverages.

Colleen Simpson - Building Bridges between Piegaro & Seattle

Colleen and Lisa First Day of Exploration in Cortona, the start of the Adventures!

I met Collen months after I started serving Green Lake United Methodist Church, I heard amazing stories of her leadership, passion and flare for ministry, but she wasn't here, she was in Piegaro.  It was Colleen's first season as "Patrona de L' Antica Vetreria" - Tom and her vision of retirement work at its finest, running an Inn in a hilltop village in Umbria, Italy.  Their vision became a reality that year so it wasn't until winter that I got to meet this dynamic woman I had heard so much about.
Here at Green Lake UMC Colleen had made a home with her parents worshiping and working in mission as diverse as Rosalee's Quilters (named for her mom), outreach with Operation Nightwatch for Homeless, and with Energizers creating new ways of being church family through fellowship.  Colleen gave so much life over the years to our congregation at the Castle.
When I did finally meet Colleen it was with an instant invitation to come visit Piegaro, it took a year an a half, and a lot hemming and hawing on my part.  What tipped the scale of my decision making was proposing a retreat on St. Francis and actually thinking she would say NO WAY, instead it was "how soon?"  So we planned, plotted and schemed, hoping we could pull it off by May, then reality set in and we realized we needed to do some ground work first, and Colleen graciously accepted me as her guest as we went in search of the Sacred in Umbria.
There were days when we would be gone for 10 or more hours exploring the places Francis went, or that were meaningful places to others who blossomed in their faith lives in the region... they were LONG days.  And Colleen as driver was amazing, she would often pull over rather abruptly as we found a "photo op" or stop to look at a map, "we know that abbey is around here somewhere,".....hmmm.  We traveled through mud, rain, wrong way turns checking out so many places and having an amazing time. We even explored a castle where there were a LOT of antenna coming out of the windows and roof of the chapel and high voltage electric boxes on the grounds...tapping into the spiritual energy?!?!?  Ah the joys of exploration.
What was really fun was when we realized how well I was communicating with the locals and laughing at all my weirdo mistakes in the communication, I called it knuckle dragging Italiano - my cave-speak that had remarkably few verbs and lots and lots of hand motions, movie quotes and laughter.  Collen was there to introduce and be companion to me in this wonderful new place.  Colleen ended up being a perfect partner on this journey that made all the work and effort fun.  To me this is the essence of bridging the places of Green Lake and Piegaro - they are both places where work, relationship, worship and spiritual seeking feed my soul.  Places where I see God in the people, in their struggles and in their joy, there is an abundance of life which Colleen exemplifies.  It was great teamwork after much discernment that our retreat would be two weeks to capture the true spirit of Umbria, which lies in its people, just as the spirit lies in God's people and creation everywhere, which called for new travel itineraries and explorations.
I look forward to our retreats in the future with Colleen as a partner and friend, someone to laugh, pray and cry with.  I pray and ask of my dear friend who is working so hard to make her Inn flourish in a troubled world;  How is it with your Soul friend, today, tomorrow, in Piegaro and when you return to Seattle.  I am blessed with le bella amica, Colleen.

Collen at the Castle, reading the graffitti words of Bob Marley... somehow so appropriate there.

Colleen and Karen, a new friend we met on our adventures looking around Perugia.

Omar, Rennaissance Man

Omar & Lucia - Martin & Gianni in Background - Relationships Everywhere!

Omar was a very fun friend in Piegaro, and he had an added benefit of speaking a smattering of English!  When we met he was with a group of young men who had just come back to Cafe Via Roma after kicking around the soccer ball.  He was introduced to me as one who spoke English.  Immediately he said, "piccolo, piccolo."  Thus, began our weeks long struggle to actually communicate.  It was actually almost the end of my trip that Omar found out I could speak some Spanish, a better language for him than English.  Of course in my own special way that made things worse, as I began rattling off in a mixture of English, Spanish, poor Italian and lots of confusing slang from decades of watching movies.  (Even one of my friends in Seattle has asked for a translator for my slang-lish).   Poor Omar did not know what he got himself into when he agreed to translate.
Yet, Omar was more than willing and a very funny partner in crime at the Caffe as we muddled through topics from spirituality to art, from what he did for a living to translating feelings between people. And FUNNY, it was so great to laugh with Omar who repeatedly would put his arm around my shoulder, "piano, piano, ahhhh Lisa you talk too fast."  It was in these times I realized how much I wanted to communicate with all these people.
Omar shared my belief that spirituality is not something you need to travel to, but that is always where you are.  The spirit certainly moved in Piegaro, just as I've experienced in other travels.  As my time was winding down in Piegaro it was made clear to me that I neglected to ask the most important question of my new friends, "Where do you find Spirit and Beauty and think is a must for Spiritual Retreat."  Omar suggested Gubbio and because of a chain of circumstances, we were able to go the following day.  It held the beauty he spoke of, and some very special places that keep crying out as a siren's song for me to return.  The mountain path that is dotted with chapels that we didn't have the time to explore, the forests that begged to be hiked, the wonderful plazas that would have been lovely to relax in had I not been on my quest to seek and find in a short time, and if the rain hadn't started pouring.  Beautiful, beautiful.
Omar held a special place for me as well when I found out he was a brick/stone mason.  As we wondered these amazing centuries old villages the work that was needed to keep these special places kept up was very obvious, the difference between a ruin and a life-filled village.  A great metaphor for our spiritual lives - we need upkeep and maintenance to stay alive.  When he pointed to the pictures of one of my favorite villages as a place he had worked, I marveled, there was no indication in the brickwork of disruption in architecture or form that would call out a fix job had taken place.  Another great metaphor as I think that we are always essentially who we are created to be in the image of the great creator and as we constantly seek out the sacred, we are seeking our internal essence, our true selves.
I think folks wondered at why I gravitated toward Omar, and part of it was his amazing friendliness and his intentions that were so authentic.  Omar was Omar, he had friends and girlfriend and was always open to a new friendships.  Not trivial ones either, when he realized Colleen's son-in-law was a Magnum Photographer, he brought in his Magnum Book (no small task - it weighed over 10 lbs) to share with Colleen and the others at the Caffe, he naturally makes connections.
My biggest regret of meeting Omar is that I did not visit the one place near Piegaro he listed as a favorite spiritual place, between lack of time and car I never made it to the sulfur springs, but I will, because I trust his spirit sense.  And someday I will follow through on this and other suggestions he made, because as he laughingly said "I cannot come to America, my name is Omar, I'm dark, and they will think I am a terrorist,"  I know Omar to be another saint on the journey!
My greatest questions for Omar is how he connects most deeply with family, people, spirit in the village, he told me a bit, but darn the language barriers.  The questions that I thought of that were so simple such as how do folks really eat here, the restaurants with the many courses can't be the norm, can they??  I love food and sacred experience of feast!  How much does it cost to live in a village such as Piegaro, would a crazy American REALLY be welcome to live in a place like this???  What did the townfolk really think of an American woman pastor??

Omar - Art Lover - Heritage Keeper - Crazy Translator - Amica

Elida e Lea = Lovely

Colleen and Lea at Lea's Home

Eleda and I enjoying the Photos of Piegaro, Church, and Processione.

Lea waves a warm greeting from Eleda's balcony.

My friend Colleen introduced me to a lot of wonderful people in Piegaro, but to of the most warm and welcoming were Eleda and her daughter Lea.  Our congregation had joined many the world over praying for Eleda last fall when she entered the hospital for a very long stay, and being in Piegaro was my opportunity to meet this person who met so much to Colleen that she would send out for a global prayer chain.  Eleda is well worth the global prayers.
Eleda has life within her that just shines from her eyes as she gazes intently into to your own as she seeks deeper communication and relationship.  Eleda is a glowing reminder of why we must be connected to the people in our community, she fully understands the need to engage with fellow human beings.  It is not about words, it is relationship and BEING with another.  She understands why people would seek deeper understandings of the sacred, even a crazy person like myself from half a world away.  She understand the importance of the sacred in life, and seeing it in others.
This is a gift that she has passed to her family, her daughter Lea is not only so welcoming and warm in her limited English, but translates well the HEART of what the other person is saying.  Lea is also a very giving soul who was determined that with each visit that Colleen (and I vicariously) would have an Italian Lesson.  She too understood the importance of direct communication, and opening doors for these Americanas to enter...
They reminded me so much of the truly great matriarchs of the churches I have been blessed to be a part of in my life.  Women who lead by inviting and welcoming, by offering the fullness of hospitality.  Very good at setting times for visits, not just a vague "later" and keeping boundaries around their own needs, they respect all in the relationship, including themselves.  Eleda and Lea are strong women in spirit, joy, and fullness of life.
Because of my incredibly limited Spangloitaliano I found myself wanting so badly to hear their stories and knowing that will take another year.  This amazing little village where Eleda  and Lea live was effected dramatically by WWII and on this Memorial Day I wonder how greatly their lives were affected.  Eleda lived through the depression, the take-over by the fascists and through the war, and Lea grew up in the aftermath.  In the USA we get so many darn war movies that don't take into account how the locals suffered through occupation, and in some communities by multiple forces.  Piegaro has been a glass factory town since the 13th century - the disruption of industry, the disruption of life, the destruction of buildings and local government must have been devastating.  Yet, they have rebuilt city hall (blown up by the Nazis), have built a very large glass factory in the valley, and have seemingly thrived.  How was this turmoil for these lovely ladies?
In modern times as Italy faces economic hardship with the rest of the world, what kind of wisdom can Eleda share with the younger generations, now dealing with a world not unlike that of her youth?  How does Eleda share her wonderful spirit with the younger generation and her wisdom on faith?  I know her activities are so limited now, but also know she has so much to offer, as does Lea, as they have gifted me already, a stranger in their midst.
As I have returned to Seattle and listen to the wisdom of the matriarchs in our congregation in Seattle, I look forward to hearing from these amazing women in Piegaro.

Beautiful, wise, spiritual Elida. Bella!!